Another Tight End Reverse

July 31, 2007by trib

One of the traits that distinguished Nic DiLillo as a top-20 tight end prospect was his ability to run pass patterns. Apparently, the Madison (Ohio) star has become adept at executing plays involving double moves.

A week after reneging on a verbal commitment to Clemson, DiLillo picked Pitt. Now, less than a month later, DiLillo is reneging on the Panthers to go to Ohio State.

“I’m ready to take the heat for committing again, but to see the look on my parents’ face made it worthwhile to me,” DiLillo told the Scout.com Ohio State site. “I’ve never seen them happier. Ohio State is my dream school. What kid doesn’t grow up wanting to be a Buckeye? I know I look like a jerk, but had the Buckeyes offered earlier there never would have been any thought of Pittsburgh or Clemson.”

What makes DiLillo’s flip-flopping so unusual is word that he took an unofficial visit to Pitt Saturday with his mother and girlfriend. DiLillo reaffirmed his commitment in meetings with Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt, tight ends coach Brian Angelichio and defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads. Essentially, he lied to their faces.

“He was there this weekend and bought a bunch of Pitt gear,” Scout.com recruiting analyst Bob Lichtenfels said. “He had a sit-down with Wannstedt and told him he wanted to be a Panther and was always going to be a Panther.

“Then, about 24 hours later, he commits to Ohio State.”

DiLillo’s decision continues a confounding trend for Pitt in recruiting tight ends. The Panthers received a commitment from Nick Krupa only to have him later back out to play baseball at Palm Beach (Fla.) Community College. They signed Kyle Hubbard only to have him back out to play basketball at Cleveland State. Mike Cruz of Johnstown Bishop McCort committed in April only to renege three weeks later. Now, DiLillo has pulled a fast one on the Panthers.

“It’s odd,” Lichtenfels said, “but in today’s day and age, you expect stuff like that.”